Machine for producing tufted fabrics



July 1961 M. NEWMAN 2,991,737

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING TUFTED FABRICS Filed March 24, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

rmL-roN NEWMRN XQ/W ATTORNEY July 11, 1961 Filed March 24, 1955 M. NEWMAN MACHINE FOR PRODUCING TUFTED FABRICS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 rmL-r H HEWMHN BY x w k ATTORNEY July 11, 1961 M. NEWMAN MACHINE FOR PRODUCING TUFTED FABRICS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 24, 1955 m Mm w ma VH m M m m July 11, 1961 M. NEWMAN 2,

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING TUFTED FABRICS Filed March 24, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR.

1 LTON HEWMHN HTTOR/l/EV July 11, 1961 M. NEWMAN 2,991,737

MACHINE FOR PRODUCING TUF TED FABRICS Filed March 24, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 llVl/ENTOR Q Murrow NEWMHN Riv",

ATTORNEY United States Patent 2,991,737 MACHINE FOR PRODUCING TUFTED FABRICS Milton Newman, 17 S. Newark Ave., Ventnor, NJ. Filed Mar. 24, 1955, Ser. No. 496,407 '3 Claims. (Cl. 112-79) in fautomatic machinery for providing a base fabric with tu s.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an automatic tufting machine wherein the needles are horizontally disposed and the arrangement otherwise such that the work at all times is maintained in full view of the operator for his inspection as it progresses.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide such a tufting machine which is adjustable for forming higher or lower tufts.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a tufting machine with means automatically operative to terminate operation of the machine when the tautness of the yarn about to be incorporated into the work exceeds or falls short of predetermined limits.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully hereinafter, it being understood that the invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as described in detail hereinafter, as shown in the accompanying drawings and as finally pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an apparatus constructed in accordance with and embodying the general principles of the present invention:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view looking at the rear and at one side of the apparatus embodying the present inventlon;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation of the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a view of the apparatus of FIGURE 1, as indicated by the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG- URE 1 as indicated by the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURES 5, 6, 9 and l are fragmentary vertical views, partly in section, showing the relative positions of various parts at different stages in the operation of the apparatus;

FIGURES 7, 8, 11 and 12 are plan sections taken as indicated by line 7-7 of FIGURE 5, but corresponding respectively to FIGURES 5, 6, 9 and 10.

FIGURE 13 is a detail view illustrating the means for adjusting the range and throw limits of the needle carriage; and

FIGURE 14 is a detail view illustrating the means for adjusting the range of throw of the pick carriage.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly'to FIG- URES 1 through 4, the apparatus embodying the present invention includes a rigid frame structure having a floor supported base section designated generally by thenumeral 10, which is surmounted by an upright section designated generally by the numeral '11.

At a level intermediate the floor and the top of the base section 10 are an electric motor 12 on one side of the apparatus and a changespeed unit 13 on the other side of the apparatus. The motor 12 is connected to the input shaft of the unit 13 by a belt drive 14 that extends crosswise of the apparatus, near the front of the base section 10. The output shaft of the unit 13 likewise extends crosswise of the apparatus, being fitted with a spur gear 15 that is located to the rear of the belt drive 14. Directly over and meshing with the spur gear 15 is a spur gear 16 that is carried by a transversely extending stub shaft 17. Theoppositeendportions of the shaft 17 are taneously in a predetermined direction and timed relation 2,991,737 Patented July 11, 1961 "journalled for rotation respectively in a pair of'upri'ght bearings 18-18 that are secured to the frame structure. Referring particularly to FIGURES 2 and 3, directly through and are journalled for rotation'in laterally spaced side members 21-21 of the upright frame section 11 while a portion of the shaft 20 intermediate the ends thereof projects through and is journalled for rotation in an upright bearing 22 that is secured to the frame structure. Likewise meshing with the spur gear' 16 and disposed slightly in advance of the spur gear 19 is a spurgear 23 that is carried by a transversely extending shaft 24. The opposite end portions of the shaft 24 project respectively through and are journalled for rotation in a pair of bearings 25- 25 secured respectively to the side members 21-21 aforesaid, while a portion oft he shaft 24 intermediate the ends thereof projects through and is journalled for rotation in extending shaft 29. The opposite end portions'of the shaft 29 project respectively through and are journalled for rotation in the side members 21-21 aforesaid. The

gears 16, 19, 23 and 28 are each conventionally secured 7 against rotation relative to its shaft, which shafts 17, 20,

24 and '29 are each conventionally secured against axial shifting movement. The electric motor 12 is' suitably connected with a source of electric power, which may be supplied to or cut off from the motor 12 by operation of an electric switch (not shown) within easy reach of an operator at his station in front of the apparatus.

' In the operation of the apparatus, the motor 12 actuates the belt'drive 14, and the change speed unit 13 translates this movement into rotation of the spur gears 15 and 16. The spur gear 16 being in mesh with the gears 19, 23 and -28, the latter gears and the shafts upon which they'are mounted,-namely, shafts 20, 24, and 29, are rotated simulfor the purposes hereinafter to "be described.

Approximately midway between the top and the bottom ofthe upper frame section 11 is a rigidcanvas backing bar '30 that extends horizontally between the side members 2-1-21 of the upper frame section. The backing bar 30 essentially is aflat member that is disposed ina vertical plane, the longitudinally extending lower edge thereof being provided with a series'of open notches'31, and the longitudinally extending upper edge thereof being thickened as at 32 to provide the required rigidity. For securing the backing bar 30 against displacement, the opposite end portions thereof are provided respectively with a pair of connecting plates 33-33 that extend rearwardly from the backing bar 30, being each disposed inside abutting relation and secured as by bolts 34 to a side member 21 of the upright frame section.

Directly to the rear of thebacking bar- 30 is a guide plate 35 that extends horizontally between the side members 21-21 of the upright frame section. Thegilide plate 35 is disposed in a vertical plane, a short distance from the backing bar 30. The longitudinally extending lower marginal portion of the guide plate 35 is provided with a series of apertures 36 that are set back from the "ahorizontalplane, the longitudinally extending forwardly presenting narrow edge thereof being fitted with a battery horizontally extending runner bars designated 39-39,

these bars being L-shaped in transverse cross section,v and being secured respectively in side abutting relation to the side members 21-21 of the upright frame section.

Now returning to the guide plate 35, for securing the guide plate 35 against displacement, the Opposite end portions thereof are provided respectively with a pair of connecting plates 40-40 that extend rearwardly from the guide plate 35, being each seated upon, and secured as by bolts 41, to the runner bar 39. When secured together in the manner aforesaid, the runner bar 39 and the connecting plate 40 conjointly form a, member that is U-shaped in transverse cross section, and that fits about the associated end of the needle carriage 37, providing therefor a guideway designated 42 in which the end of the carriage aforesaid may slidably shift fore and aft of the apparatus. The needle carriage 37 is operatively connected to the shaft 20 in the manner now to be described.

Widely spaced portions along the needle carriage 37 each carry a pair of lugs 43-43 that are secured thereto as by bolts 44. The lugs 43 overhang the rearwardly presenting narrow edge of the needle carriage 37, and the lugs of each pair are spaced apart. Corresponding end portions of a pair of short links 45-45 are received to the lugs 43 by a pair of coaxially related pivot pins 46-46. The short links 45-45 extend rearwardly and downwardly from the pins 46-46 parallel to one another, and the other corresponding end portions thereof are coneach between a pair of the lugs 43-43, being secured I nected respectively to a pair of bifurcated arm 47-47 by a pair of coaxially related pivot pins 48-48. The arms 47-47 are fixedly mounted respectively upon widely spaced portions of a transversely extending rock shaft 49, and they extend upwardly therefrom parallel to one another for connection to the links 45-45. The opposite end portions of the rock shaft 49 project respectively through and are journalled for rotation in the side members 21-21 of the frame structure, and any suitable means may be provided for axially fixing the rock shaft 49. Mounted respectively upon these opposite end portions of the rock shaft 49 are a pair of arms 50-50 that extend downwardly therefrom parallel to one another for connection to corresponding end portions of a pair of links 51-51 through the medium of a pair of coaxially related pivots 52-52. The links 51-51 extend forwardly from the pivots 52-52 parallel to one another, and the other corresponding end portions thereof are connected, through the medium of a pair of coaxially related pivots 53-53, to a pair of eccentrics 54-54 that are fixedly mounted respectively upon the opposite end portions of the transversely extending shaft 20. The axes of the pivot pins 46-46, pivot pins 48-48, rock shaft 49, pivots 52-52 and pivots 53-53 are each parallel to the axis of the eccentric-mounting shaft 20 aforesaid.

In the operation of the apparatus, the shaft 20 is rotated in the manner already described. The eccentrics 54-54 rotate with the shaft 20, in consequence of which the links 51-51 reciprocate back and forth, the rigid assembly including the arms 50-50, the rock shaft 49 and the arms 47-47 being rocked thereby about the axis of the rock shaft 49. The links 45-45 shift back and forth in correspondence to this rocking movement. The needle carriage 37 being connected to the links 45-45 by the lugs 43 and pins 46, the needle carriage 37 shifts back and forth with the links 45-45 in its own plane, being 4 guided in such planar shifting movement in the ways 42-42. Referring particularly to FIGURES 5 and 7, when the needle carriage 37 is retracted, the points of the needles 38 are withdrawn into the apertures 36 of the guide plate 35, and now referring particularly to FIGURES 6 and 8, when the needle carriage 37 is projected forwardly, virtually the entire length of the needles 38 is extended forwardly through the apertures 36 of the guide plate 35 and the open notches 31 of the backing bar 30, in consequence of which the points of the needles 38 are located a substantial distance in advance of the backing bar 30. Each of the eccentrics 54-54 is provided with a radial adjustment slot 54a for selectively increasing or decreasing the distance between the pivots 53-53 and the shaft 20, such means being operable for selectively increasing or decreasing the range of back and forth shifting movement of the needle carriage 37. Additionally, each of the links 51-51 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 51a for selectively increasing or decreasing the effective length of the links 51-51, such means being operable for selectively shifting back or forth the extreme positions of the needle carriage 37 for a given range of movement. These adjustments are illustrated in the detail view of FIGURE 13.

Just in front of the backing bar 30 is a rigid pick carriage assembly 55 that extends horizontally between the side members 21-21 of the upright frame section. This assembly includes an essentially flat member 56 that is disposed in a vertical plane, the longitudinally extending upper edge thereof being thickened as at 57. Underlying the member 56 is another member of the assembly designated 58, this member 58 being L-shaped in transverse cross section and secured to the member 56, as by welding. Over-lying the member 56 is still another member of the asembly designated 59, this member 59 being square in transverse cross section and secured to the member 56, by means not shown, in laterally adjustable fixed relation thereto. Projecting rearwardly from the member 59 are a battery of picks 60, there being one such pick for each of the needles 38. For supporting the assembly 55, the opposite end portions of the assembly are carried respectively by a pair of shoes 61-61, these shoes being L-shaped in transverse cross section, and being provided respectively with a pair of legs 62-62 that are disposed in a common horizontal plane, and respectively with a pair of legs 63-63 that are disposed in a common vertical plane. The opposite end portions of the assembly 55 are seated upon and secured as by studs 64 to the legs 62-62, the stud receiving openings in the legs 62-62 being elongated in the direction laterally of the assembly 55 for selective positioning of the assembly 55 upon the shoes 61-61, fore and aft of the machine. The legs 62- 62 terminate each at the inner surface of the associated side member 21 of the frame structure. However, the legs 63-63 extend outwardly respectively beyond the legs 62-62, the end portion thereof being each slidably fitted in a guideway 65 formed in the associated side member 21 of the frame structure, in which guideway the leg portion aforesaid may slidably shift vertically. As an aid in steadying the assembly 55 in its vertical shifting movement, the side members 2'1-21 of the frame structure respectively mount a pair of positionally adjustable guide members 66-66 that have rearwardly presenting surfaces disposed in a common vertical plane, these surfaces being slidably engaged by the front of the member 59 and/or the front of the underlying thickened portion 57 of the member 56. The assembly 55 is operatively connected to the shaft 24 in the manner now to be described.

Secured respectively to the legs 63-63 of the shoes 61-61 are a pair of plates 67-67, these plates being disposed respectively against the outer surfaces of the cured respectivelyto these plates 67-67 by a pair of coaxially related pivots 69-69. The links 68-68 extend downwardy from the pivots 69-69 parallel to one another, and the other corresponding end portions thereof are connected through the medium of a pair of coaxially related pivots 70-70 to a pair of eccentrics 71-71 that are fixedly mounted respectively upon the opposite end portions of the transversely extending shaft 24. The axes of the pivots 69-69 and the pivots 70-70 are each parallel to the axes of the eccentric-mounting shaft 24 aforesaid.

In the operation of the apparatus, the shaft 24 is rotated in the manner already described. The eccentrics 71-71 rotate with the shaft 24, in consequence of which the links 68-68 reciprocate vertically. The assembly 55 being connected to the links 68-68 by the pivots 69-69 and the plates 67-67, the assembly 55 reciprocates vertically with the links 68-68, being guided in such movement in the ways 65-65 and by the guide members 66- 66. Referring particularly to FIGURES 5, 6, 9 and 10,

shaft 24, which adjustment may be effected by means 30 iof the radial slots 71a in the eccentrics 71-71.

The upper and lower limits for a given range of movement may be shifted vertically by changing the effective length of the links 68-68, which may be done by loosening the bolts 72, suitably shifting the link sections designated 35 73-74 and then retightening the bolts.

At the very top of the frame structure is a transversely extending shaft 75 the opposite end portions of which project through and are journalled for rotation respectively in a pair of bearings 76-76, each of which bearings is carried by a bracket 77 that extends rearwardly from a side member 21 of the frame structure. On an intermediate portion of the shaft 75 between the bearings 76-76- is a roller 78 that has a friction surface, and on one terminal portion of the shaft 75 is a spur gear 79, the roller 78 and the'spur gear 79 being secured to the shaft 75 for rotation therewith, and being arranged to the shaft 75 axially.

Meshing with the spur gear 79 is a spur gear 80 that is part of a unitwhich includes a ratchet wheel 81 coaxially related to the spur gear 80. This unit is revolubly mounted upon a pintle 82 the projects outwardly from -the associatedbracket 77, being connected to the latter so as to be adjustable vertically. The pintle 82 additionally projects through one end portion of an arm in the uform of a flat bar 83 that extends laterally of and forwardly from the pintle, being mounted thereon for swinging movement about the axis of the pintle, and being conventionally secured against displacement. The arm 83 carries a pawl 84 that is secured to the inner side of the arm 83 by a pivot 85. This pawl 84 presents upwardly and rearwardly, its free end being engaged with a tooth of the ratchet wheel 81. Just above the pawl 84 is a sec- -ond pawl 86, its free end likewise being engaged with a tooth of the ratchet wheel 81. This latter pawl is carried by a pintle 87 that projects outwardly from the associated bracket 77, being connected to'the same so as to be adjustable vertically. The arm 83 is connected to one end portion of a link 88 by a pivot 89 that is located intermediate the pintle 82 and the pivot 85. The link 88 extends downwardly -from the-pivot 89, the lower extremity thereof being connected through the medium of a pivot '90 to an eccentric 91 that is fixedly mounted upon one end portion of the transversely extending shaft 29. The axes of the shaft 75,,pintles 82and 87, pawl-84, and

' 6 pivots89and 90 are each parallel totheaxis. of the ec' a centric-mounting shaft; 29 aforesaid.

Inthe operation of the apparatus, the shaft 29 is rotated in the manner already described. The eccentric 91 5 rotates with the shaft 29, in consequence of which the link 88 reciprocates vertically. The arm 83 being connected'to the link 88 by the pivot 89, the arm 83 rocks upon the pintle 82, in consequence of which the pawl 84 moves in an arcuate path about the axis of the pintle 1082'. Referringparticularly to FIGURE 4, when the link 88 moves downwardly from the position shown, the vpawl 84 passes over the teeth of the ratchet wheel 81, .without moving the ratchet wheel. However, when'the link 88 moves upwardly again, the pawl is fully engaged with a tooth of the ratchet wheel, in consequence of which the ratchet wheel is turned. The spur gear 80, of course, likewise turns, actuating the assembly comprising the spur gear 79, shaft 75 and roller 78. It will be observed that the roller 78 is turned intermittently always in the same direction, the pawl 86 being operative to assure unidirectional rotation. The throw of the link 88 may be selectively increased or decreased by adjusting ,positionally the pivot 90 with respect to the shaft 29, which adjustment may-be effected by shifting a bar 92 which carries thepivot 90.

Just above the base section 10 of the frame structure are a set of three transversely extending shafts 93, 94 .and 95, eachof which has opposite end portions that project through and are journalled for rotation respectively in a pair of multiple-bearing units 96-96. Each of these units is carried by a beam 97 that extends rearwardly from a side member 21 of the frame structure. These shafts mount respectively a set of rollers 98, 99, and 100 that are located between the units 96-96, and .that are disposed one over the other in close adjacent relation. In addition, corresponding end portions of these shafts mount respectively a set of meshing spur gears 101, 102, and 103, and the opposite end portion of the shaft 93 mounts a spur gear 104, the rollers and spur gears -iaforesaid being secured to their respective shafts for rotation therewith, and being arranged to fix the same axially. Meshing with the spur gear 104 is a spur gear 105 that is part of a unit which includes a ratchet wheel 106 coaxially related to the spur gear -105. This unit is rev- 'olubly mounted upon a pintle 107 that projects outwardly from the beam 97, the pintle being connected to the latter so as to be adjustable horizontally. The pintle 107 additionally projects through an arm in the form of a flat bar 108 that extends laterally of the pintle, generally vertically across the ratchet wheel 106, being mounted on the pintle for swinging movement about the axis thereof, and being conventionally secured against displacement. The upper endportion of the arm 108 carries a pawl 109 that is secured to the inner side of the arm108 by a pivot 110. This pawl 109 presents forwardly and downwardly, its free end being engaged with a tooth of the ratchet wheel 106. Forwardly of the pawl 109 is a second pawl 111, its free end likewise being engaged with a tooth of the ratchet wheel 106. This latter pawl is carried by a pintle 112 that projects outwardly from the frame of the associated bearing unit 96,

being connected to the same so as to be adjustable horizontally. The lower end portion of the arm 108 is connected to one end portion of a link 113 by a pivot 114.

The link 1'13 extends forwardly from the pivot 114, the

forward extremity thereof being connected through the medium of a pivot 115 to an eccentric 116 that is fixedly mounted upon the end portion of'the shaft 29-remote from the eccentric 91. The axes of the shafts 93, 94,

95, the pintles 107 and 112, and the pivots 110, 114 and 115 are each parallel to the axis of the eccentricanounting shaft 29 aforesaid.

In the operation of the apparatus, the eccentric 116 likewise rotates with-the shaft 29, in consequence of which .75 the link 113 reciprocates horizontally. The arm 108 being connected to the link 113 by the pivot 114, the arm 108 rocks upon the pint-1e 107, in consequence of which the pawl 109 moves inan arcuate path about the axis of the pintle 107. Referring particularly to FIGURE 4, when the link 113 moves forwardly from the position shown, the pawl 109 passes over the teeth of the ratchet wheel 106, without moving the ratchet wheel. However, when the link 113 moves rearwardly again, the pawl is fully engaged with a tooth of the ratchet wheel, in consequence of which the ratchet wheel is turned. The spur gear 105, of course, likewise turns, actuating the assembly of shafts 93, 94 and 95 and their associated rollers. It will be observed that the latter turn intermittently, each always in canvas drawing direction, the pawl 112 being operative to assure such rotation. The throw of the link 113 may be selectively increased or decreased by adjusting positionally the pivot 115 with respect to the shaft 29, which adjustment may be effected by shifting a bar 117 which carries the pivot 115.

Above the brackets 7777 is a transversely extending shaft 118 the opposite end portions of which are supported respectively upon a pair of uprights 1191119 that are attached respectively to the brackets 7777. The shaft 118 carries a roll of canvas 119' from which material unwound from the roll extends downwardly and forwardly to a gang of closely associated transversely extending parallel guide bars 120, 121 and 122 fixed in the frame structure. After weaving between these bars, the material continues downwardly and forwardly to the backing bar 30 and the guide plate 35, passing downwardly between the latter members and then downwardly and rearwardly to a transversely extending guide bar 123 likewise fixed in the frame structure. After passing under the latter bar, the material extends rearwardly to the set of rollers 100, 99 and 98, between which rollers it weaves, thereafter depending freely from the rollers for being gathered in any suitable manner.

To the rear of the apparatus a suitable source of yarn is provided (not shown) from which a plurality of yarns 124 extend forwardly over the friction surface of the roller 78 and then downwardly and forwardly to a transversely extending guide bar 125 fixed in the frame structure. After passing respectively through a series of apertures 126 formed in the guide bar 125, the yarns 124 extend downwardly to a transversely extending guide bar 127 that is located just above the needle carriage 37, being mounted for movement with the needle carriage 37. The yarns 124 then pass under the guide bar 127 forwardly and downwardly respectively through the eyes 128 of the needles 38 carried by the carriage 37, and finally respectively through the apertures 36 formed in the guide plate 35, being thereafter worked into the canvas in the manner now to be described.

Referring particularly to FIGURES and 7, the battery of needles 38 are shown fully retracted, the points of the needles being withdrawn respectively into the apertures 36 of the guide plate 35. The yarns 124 extend forwardly from the guide bar 127, pass horizontally respectively through the eyes 128 of the needles and then continue forwardly respectively through the eyes 128 of the needles and then continue forwardly respectively through the apertures 36 of the guide plate 35, from whence they pass downwardly between the guide plate 35 and the canvas to the level where the set of loops 129 last formed are located. At this stage of the operation, the battery of picks 60 are partially raised, but only to a position below the battery of needles. Now referring particularly to FIGURES 6 and 8, for forming the next set of loops 129, the battery of needles move forwardly, in consequence of which sufiic-ient yarn is drawn through the canvas to form a set of loops 129 that are taut, as shown. In the fully advanced position of the batteryof needles, these taut loops each extend from the back of the canvas along one side of a needle in a groove designated 130, through the eye of the needie, and then back along the opposite side of the needle to the back of the canvas in a groove designated131. It will be observed that both ends of the loop pass through the opening in the canvas made by the needle. In the meanwhile, the battery of picks rise to a position well above the battery of needles, which latter must now retract.

Referring particularly to FIGURES 9 through 12, as the battery of needles begins to withdraw, the taut loops relax somewhat, opening up as best shown in FIGURE 11. In the meantime, the battery of picks descend and respectively engage the opened loops with hooked end portions designated 132. As the battery of needles continue to withdraw, the battery of picks continue to descend, holding the loops and drawing them taut again. This action continues until the battery of needles is fully retracted and the loops are of the requisite height, whereupon the battery of picks rise to disengage from the fully formed set of loops 129.

In the operation of the apparatus, canvas is drawn intermittently, as needed, from the roll 119' by the set of rollers 98, 99 and 100, this being effected after each set of loops are fully formed and while the battery of needles are fully retracted. In addition, yarn is payed out intermittently, as needed, by the roller 78, this being effected each time while the battery of needles are withdrawing and the battery of picks are descending. The amount of canvas drawn from the roll 119, the amount of yarn payed out for the formation of the loops and the length of the loops formed may be varied as desired.

With a given arrangement and adjustment of the appanatus, loops of a predetermined length are formed, but it will be not-ed that a change-over for formation of loops of a different length may be effected in various ways with extreme facility. One way is to suit-ably reposition the pivots 70-70 with respect to the shaft 24 by shifting the pivots 7070 radially outward or inward relative to the shaft 24. For example, assuming that loops one-half inch in length are formed, and that it is desired to'double this length, to effect the change-over the radial spacing between the pivots 7070 and the shaft 24 is increased suflieiently to effect an increase of one inch in the throw of the links 6868 and a corresponding increase in the range of vertical movement of the battery of picks 60. Another way is to suitably change the effective length of the links 6868. For example, under the stated assump tions, to effect the change-over the effective length of the links 6868 is decreased sufiiciently to effect a shift of one-half inch downwardly of both the upper and lower limits of the range of vertical movement of the assembly 55 and of the battery of picks 60. Still another way is to replace the needles 38 with needles of a suitable different length and reposition the battery of picks 60 for suitable registry with the loops to be formed. For example, again under the stated assumptions, to effect the change-over the needles 38 are replaced with needles onehalf inch greater in length, and the assembly 55 is shifted forwardly on the shoes 61--61 and/or the member 59 is repositioned relative to the member 56 so as to aline the hooked end portions 132 of the picks 60 with the loops to be formed. And still another way is to suitably reposition the pivots 5353 with respect to the shaft 20. For example, once again under the stated assumptions, to eifect the change-over the spacing between the pivots 5353 and the shaft 20 is increased sufliciently to effect an increase of one inch in the range of horizontal movement of the battery of needles 38, and the assembly 55 and/ or the member 59 are repositioned. And a final way is to change the effective length of the links 5151. For example, once again under the stated assumptions, to effect the change-over the effective length of the links 5151 is increased suflieiently to effect a shift of onehalf inch forwardly of both of the extreme positions of the needle carriage 37. Of course, in all of the cases just 9 described the condition of the apparatus before the change-over must be such that after the change-over the battery of picks 60 are capable of rising to a proper height above the battery of needles 38, and the latter are capable of fully withdrawing from the canvas.

The tautness of the yarns 124 after they pass over the roller 78 normally ranges between predetermined limits, and means may be provided whereby termination of the operation of the apparatus is automatically efiiected in the event that these limits are exceeded. To this end, about midway between the roller 78 and the guide bar 125, there is a transversely extending conductor bar 133 the opposite end portions of which are carried respectively by the bracket 7777. This bar is located to the rear of the yarns 124 and carries a set of L-shaped switch elements 134 that depend by one end from and are mounted to pivot independently about the bar 133. The yarns 124 pass freely through openings formed respectively in the lower ends of these elements, the elements normally being supported by the yarns 124 so that they extend downwardly and forwardly from the bar 133'. Across the front of the set of elements 134 extends a conductor wire 135, and across the rear of the set of elements 134 extends a conductor wire 136, the wires 135 and .136 being parallel to the bar 133. When the tautness of a yarn 124 is within the permissible range, the associated element 134 is held by the yarn out of contact with either of the wires 135 or 136. However, should the tautness exceed the permissible limit, the element 134 will swing into contact with the wire 135, closing an electric circuit operative to terminate operation of the apparatus, and should the tautness fall below the permissible limit, the element 134 will depend freely from the bar 133 and make contact with the wire 136, likewise closing the circuit aforesaid.

It will be understood, of course, that the apparatus of the present invention as hereinbefore described and as shown in the accompanying drawings is susceptible of various changes and modifications which may be made from time to time without departing from the general principles or real spirit of the invention and accordingly, it is intended to claim the same broadly, as well as specifically as indicated by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In a tufting machine that operates automatically in repeating tuft forming cycles to progressively provide a base fabric with tufts, means for guiding said fabric through the machine along a fixed vertical course, a battery of needles on one side of and extending normal to the path of said fabric, a carriage mounting said needles for horizontal reciprocation thereof in a plane normal to and extending through the vertical path of the fabric, a battery of yarn holding picks on the other side and extending normal to the path of said fabric, a carriage mounting said picks for vertical rectilinear reciprocation thereof in a plane normal to the horizontal operating plane of said needles, shifting means for intermittently moving the fabric to be tufted along said fixed vertical course between said needles and picks, means for paying out the yarns and guiding the same along a fixed course to said needles and means for actuating all of the means aforesaid in predetermined timed relation including revoluble means, and means operatively linking said revoluble means and pick mounting carriage, said linking means being pivotally connected eccentrically with said revoluble means by means operable for selectively varying the radial distance between said connection and the axis of said revoluble means, whereby to correspondingly vary the throw of said linking means and the range of vertical movement of said carriage and the picks mounted thereon, said needles being operative to pierce the base fabric to draw the yarns through the base fabtie for forming tufts, said picks being operative to engage the yarns thus drawn through the base fabric to arrest the same while said needles withdraw from the base fabric, and said shifting means being operative to shift said base fabric after each tuft forming thrust of said needles and withdrawal of the latter from the base fabric, the base fabric being positioned thereby for the next tuft forming thrust of said needles.

2. A tufting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein the linking means includes a pair of rigid articulated links operatively connected respectively with the opposite end portions of said pick mounting carriage, each of said articulated links including means for selectively varying the effective length thereof, whereby said articulated links may be adjusted to selectively shift the limits of vertical movement of the pick mounting carriage and the picks mounted thereon in either direction without a change in the throw of the articulated links or the range of vertical movement of said carriage and the picks mounted thereon.

3. In a textile machine that operates automatically in repeating tuft forming cycles to progressively provide a base fabric with tufts, means for guiding said fabric through the machine along a fixed course, a battery of needles on one side of and extending normal to the path of said fabric, a carriage mounting said needles for re ciprocation thereof in a plane normal to said fabric, a battery of yarn holding picks on the other side and extending normal to the path of said fabric, a carriage mounting said picks for reciprocation thereof in a plane normal to the operating plane of said needles, shifting means for intermittently moving said fabric along said fixed course between said needles and picks, means for paying out the yarns and guiding the same along a fixed course to said needles, means for actuating all of the means aforesaid in predetermined timed relation, and control means comprising three horizontally extending laterally spaced parallel conductors connected in electric circuit, a series of elements mounted upon a principal one of said conductors for pivotal movement thereabout independently of one another and depending freely therefrom between the other two or auxiliary conductors, said elements being adapted for having the yarns threaded through the lower free end portions thereof and normally maintained thereby free of both of said auxiliary conductors, said elements being adapted to swing upwardly into contact with one of said auxiliary conductors when the associated yarn is drawn excessively taut, and to swing downwardly into contact with the other of said auxiliary conductors when the associated yarn is excessively slack, said electric circuit being responsive to contact of any one of said elements with either of said auxiliary conductors for terminating operation of the machine.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,096,891 Burke May 19, 1914 1,772,993 Grutter Aug. 12, 1930 1,863,049 Hermann- June 14, 1932 1,970,703 Loos Aug. 21, 1934 2,090,022 Baynton et al. Aug. 17, 1937 2,096,720 Jones Oct. 26, 1937 2,226,829 Patey Dec. 31, 1940 2,411,268 Hamrick Nov. 19, 1946 2,533,420 iBlumfield Dec. 12, 1950 

